To the editor:

The State Street Theater Company (SSTC) is grateful to The Journal for coverage of both the capital campaign, the Saturday evening concert, and some background on events around the theater in its article of March 17, 2017. The latter is quite complex, so it is understandable that some misunderstanding occurred.

Community Theater started in New Ulm as the Pioneer Players in 1978 and over the years, it morphed to New Ulm Actors Community Theater. Upon becoming owners of the theater, the group re-named itself to the State Street Theater Co.

SSTC is pleased that a new developer, Community Housing Development Corporation, has already made a six-figure commitment to the housing side of the project via its purchase agreement with CentraSota, and is planning a $10 to $12 million renovation of the school portion. This will provide the community 50 to 55 much-needed rental housing units. CHDC and the State Street Theater are collaborating in efforts to provide New Ulm a completely renovated, high quality property that has housing complemented by a restored community theater.

The housing portion will be funded by CHDC using investor funds, historic tax credits and affordable housing tax credits. The theater side is exploring use of historic tax credits as a partial funding tool, along with grants. It is hopeful the New Ulm community will do its part by responding positively to a fund-raising effort for the remainder of the support.

Mary Ellen Domeier

Volunteer

Capital Campaign Cabinet